Mutual funds for dummies

Getting started with funds. Making more money, taking less risk ; Fund pros and cons ; Funding your financial plans

Evaluating alternatives to funds. Selecting your own stocks and bonds ; Exchange-traded funds and other fund lookalikes ; Hedge funds and other managed alternatives

Separating the best from the rest. Finding the best funds ; Using fund publications ; Buying funds from the best firms

Crafting your fund portfolio. Perfecting a fund portfolio ; Money market funds: beating the bank ; Bond funds: when boring is best ; Stock funds: meeting your longer term needs ; Specialty funds: one of a kind ; Working it out: sample portfolios ; Applications, transfers, and other useful forms

Keeping current and informed. Evaluating your funds and adjusting your portfolio ; The taxing side of mutual funds ; Common fund problems and how to fix them ; Information sources: fund ratings and forecasters

The part of tens. Ten common fund-investing mistakes and how to avoid them ; Ten fund-investing fears to conquer ; Ten tips for hiring a financial adviser

Appendix: recommended fund companies and discount brokers.

Getting started with funds. Making more money, taking less risk ; Fund pros and cons ; Funding your goals and dreams

Evaluating alternatives to funds. Selecting your own stocks and bonds ; Exchange-traded funds and other fund lookalikes ; Hedge funds and other managed options

Separating the best from the rest. Finding the best funds ; Using fund publications ; Buying funds from the best firms

Crafting your fund portfolio. Perfecting a fund portfolio ; Money market funds: beating the bank ; Bond funds: when boring is best ; Stock funds: meeting your longer term needs ; Specialty funds ; Working it out: sample portfolios ; Applications, transfers, and other useful forms

Keeping current and informed. Evaluating your funds and adjusting your portfolio ; The taxing side of mutual funds ; Common fund problems and how to fix them ; Information sources: fund ratings and forecasters

The part of tens. Ten common fund-investing mistakes and how to avoid them ; Ten fund-investing fears to conquer ; Tentips for hiring a financial adviser.